There's something so incredibly fascinating about this whole eastern atmosphere. The tile pattern on the floor, the window, the old wall...and a student who's studying just like millions of her kind all over the world:) There is a quiet charm in this one.

It just goes to show that the qoute "Facism is cured by reading, Racism is cured by traveling" (Miguel de Unamuno) is ever so true. Media can only show so much of a culture, and most of the news we here is negative in the first place with the news almost explicitily (Obviously there are exceptions) tragedies, murders, raps, mass shootings & heart wrench/breaking stories.
To summarize what I mean.
If you truly wish to have a non-bias opinion about something, experience it yourself, with an open mind and open heart.

If you want to see an example of Muslims actually _ knowing_ the laws and theology of their religion and actually _living_ a normal Muslim, non-extremist lifestyle, visit mosques and Muslim homes in the US, Canada, the UK or Australia. The reason potential terrorists are identified, investigated and apprehended is because the _Muslims_ in these communities won't put up with that sinful terrorist sh**, and they will report your sinful a** to the authorities.

Not only their chest but also they cut themselves with swords and other objects... What is sad is that they let their children do that too. I don't know any other culture that explicitly express their masochism like these people. And by the way. I am muslim and therefore i don't feel obliged to be politically correct. Lol.

Rather, propaganda posted by the religious "authorities," trying to dictate the private lives of Iranians. An important aspect of Islam is the "niyaat," the intention to fulfill the religious act. Doing something because you are forced to (such as covering your hair,) not because your WANT to and have the INTENTION to actually nullifies the act. You're making your society superficially _look_ religious, but you might be (probably are) creating citizens who lack respect for you and the religion you are trying to enforce.